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Steve78
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« on: August 01, 2014, 12:21:41 PM » |
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Hello All,
I am new to the board but I have a question, (well two actually). I have noticed a few drops of oil on the right side brake caliper now and again, and that the lower fork always seems to have a thin film of oil on it. Now when I go over bumps in the road I hear a sorta of rattling, so I am sure the seal has blown and most of the oil has leaked out. My question is how hard is it to change out the seals myself, (local dealership in OH quoted me 4.5 to 5hrs labor at $85 per plus parts, and a three week wait for service), I've never attempted anything this Major before and am considering the dealer option, and the second question is can I continue to ride until I get a chance to do the repair myself or if I choose to wait on the dealer.
Thanks
Steve
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The emperor has no clothes
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« Reply #1 on: August 01, 2014, 12:33:31 PM » |
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I haven't done them myself, but there are videos on utube showing how to and it looks fairly easy. I think the biggest thing is making the tool or buying it.
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5493
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #2 on: August 01, 2014, 12:44:49 PM » |
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It's not too tough...If it's a Standard, maybe two hours work. Your dealer is quoting WAY too high. Replace the bushings while you're in there. Also, there is nearly a quart of oil in that fork. Unless the entire side of the bike (and you) is covered/dripping with it, you've not leaked any where near "most" of the oil out.  This is 8,000 miles of leaking...I'd guess there was 3/4'ths of the oil still in the fork |
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer  |
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Steve78
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« Reply #3 on: August 01, 2014, 02:05:14 PM » |
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Thanks Daniel,
mine does not look like that, I've only had mine since april 2014, and have only put on about 2200 miles since. Mine is a 1998 GL1500C and has 44300 miles total. Now I am concerned why I have the rattling going over rough spots in the road. Ill just have to decide if I want to do this myself and see whats wrong...
Thanks
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Steve78
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« Reply #4 on: August 01, 2014, 02:07:58 PM » |
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I haven't done them myself, but there are videos on utube showing how to and it looks fairly easy. I think the biggest thing is making the tool or buying it.
Ive seen a few, but I am just not sure!!! I'll probably just take the plunge and dIY it!!!! |
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Daniel Meyer
Member
Posts: 5493
Author. Adventurer. Electrician.
The State of confusion.
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« Reply #5 on: August 01, 2014, 02:35:46 PM » |
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Thanks Daniel,
mine does not look like that, I've only had mine since april 2014, and have only put on about 2200 miles since. Mine is a 1998 GL1500C and has 44300 miles total. Now I am concerned why I have the rattling going over rough spots in the road. Ill just have to decide if I want to do this myself and see whats wrong...
Thanks
Rattle is more likely a caliper, the chrome sides of the radiator, or the buzz-bolt (see shoptalk). http://valkyrieriders.com/shoptalk/ |
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CUAgain, Daniel Meyer |
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the bull
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« Reply #6 on: August 01, 2014, 04:39:56 PM » |
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I just had the seals on my Interstate replaced at a dealer in New York and the bill was $295 with all of the parts. And the dealer is on Long Island where the labor rate is $95 per hour.
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Willow
Administrator
Member
Posts: 16634
Excessive comfort breeds weakness. PttP
Olathe, KS
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« Reply #7 on: August 02, 2014, 10:02:56 AM » |
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Sounds like your leak is fairly minimal. Don't fail to use a Sealmate of 35MM film to clean the seals before you decide they need to be replaced. Small leaks can be caused by a grain or two of stuff caught up in the seal.
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Jess from VA
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« Reply #8 on: August 02, 2014, 11:56:31 AM » |
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The Seal Mate or much better Seal Doctor may stop your leak entirely. As above stated, you have not likely lost more than an ounce or two of fork oil. So long as she is handling OK, keep riding. (just make sure oil does not leak down to your brake pads) http://www.riskracing.com/pages/Seal_Doctor_Page.html#.U90xf6OjIW0If they keep leaking, then you may need a rebuild. There is a third way to go on a full rebuild (if/when necessary). Besides Dealer or DIYS, you can pull the front wheel, calipers, fender, and forks, and take them to an expert with a bag of all wear parts (sliders, seals, and other). This is my plan, and I already have the bag of parts and the expert. Last time I worked on bike forks (not a Valk), I loosened everything up, and nothing happened. So I tapped with a rubber mallet, and the spring loaded parts assembly flew out and over my 7' fence into the neighbor's yard (his dog didn't like me, and I think he ate some of them). A good man knows his limitations. |
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« Last Edit: August 02, 2014, 12:00:39 PM by Jess from VA »
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Steve78
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« Reply #9 on: August 02, 2014, 12:46:21 PM » |
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The Seal Mate or much better Seal Doctor may stop your leak entirely. As above stated, you have not likely lost more than an ounce or two of fork oil. So long as she is handling OK, keep riding. (just make sure oil does not leak down to your brake pads) http://www.riskracing.com/pages/Seal_Doctor_Page.html#.U90xf6OjIW0If they keep leaking, then you may need a rebuild. There is a third way to go on a full rebuild (if/when necessary). Besides Dealer or DIYS, you can pull the front wheel, calipers, fender, and forks, and take them to an expert with a bag of all wear parts (sliders, seals, and other). This is my plan, and I already have the bag of parts and the expert. Last time I worked on bike forks (not a Valk), I loosened everything up, and nothing happened. So I tapped with a rubber mallet, and the spring loaded parts assembly flew out and over my 7' fence into the neighbor's yard (his dog didn't like me, and I think he ate some of them). A good man knows his limitations. LOL, not funny but it is in hindsight! I have a backyard mechanic near by who works on motorsport stuff, I was thinking of that too!!!! |
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